Black Beauty

This unique tale is narrated by a lovely, gentle horse named Black Beauty and has remained a children's classic since it was first published in 1877. It earned eternal name and fame for its author Anna Sewell, an invalid who died within a few months of publication. According to current estimates, it has sold more than fifty million copies world wide, been translated into many languages and delighted generations of children.

The original title page reads: Black Beauty: Translated from the original Equine by Anna Sewell and this gives the reader an instant glimpse into what the book will be about. As an autobiography written by a horse and told from his point of view, it was indeed an original and unique concept for the time. Strangely enough, Anna Sewell never intended the book to be exclusively read by children. She meant it to be a manual for those who worked with horses so that they would develop more compassion and kindness when dealing with these mute beasts. While it apparently talks about animals, the book is a great source of education for human beings too and teaches them how to treat each other with respect, dignity and kindness.

The famous opening lines, “The first place I can well remember was a large pleasant meadow....” set the tone for the rest of the book. It traces the journey of the beautiful and noble horse, born in privileged circumstances whose life takes a turn for the tragic when her wealthy owner falls on hard times. Sold into a fashionable household, Beauty is ill-treated and uncared for till his health is finally broken. He is sold to a London cabbie and has to earn his keep pulling heavy carriages in all kinds of weather.

The treatment of animals, their welfare and the conditions in which they're kept, the often inhuman and cruel attitude of people and animal rights are some of the topics touched upon. It is a book that can be read on several levels. For child readers, it is a delightful tale told by an animal. Adults would recognize the essential humanitarian appeal made by the author. In fact, such was the impact of the book that it led to several landmark legislations regarding animal welfare in Britain and America.

Filled with memorable characters, vivid descriptions and poignant scenes, Black Beauty is indeed a fabulous book to settle in with for a pleasant read.

This unique tale is narrated by a lovely, gentle horse named Black Beauty and has remained a children's classic since it was first published in 1877. It earned eternal name and fame for its author Anna Sewell, an invalid who died within a few months of publication. According to current estimates, it has sold more than fifty million copies world wide, been translated into many languages and delighted generations of children.

The original title page reads: Black Beauty: Translated from the original Equine by Anna Sewell and this gives the reader an instant glimpse into what the book will be about. As an autobiography written by a horse and told from his point of view, it was indeed an original and unique concept for the time. Strangely enough, Anna Sewell never intended the book to be exclusively read by children. She meant it to be a manual for those who worked with horses so that they would develop more compassion and kindness when dealing with these mute beasts. While it apparently talks about animals, the book is a great source of education for human beings too and teaches them how to treat each other with respect, dignity and kindness.

The famous opening lines, “The first place I can well remember was a large pleasant meadow....” set the tone for the rest of the book. It traces the journey of the beautiful and noble horse, born in privileged circumstances whose life takes a turn for the tragic when her wealthy owner falls on hard times. Sold into a fashionable household, Beauty is ill-treated and uncared for till his health is finally broken. He is sold to a London cabbie and has to earn his keep pulling heavy carriages in all kinds of weather.

The treatment of animals, their welfare and the conditions in which they're kept, the often inhuman and cruel attitude of people and animal rights are some of the topics touched upon. It is a book that can be read on several levels. For child readers, it is a delightful tale told by an animal. Adults would recognize the essential humanitarian appeal made by the author. In fact, such was the impact of the book that it led to several landmark legislations regarding animal welfare in Britain and America.

Filled with memorable characters, vivid descriptions and poignant scenes, Black Beauty is indeed a fabulous book to settle in with for a pleasant read.

Reviewer:Yung - July 28, 2017Subject:Black BeautyBeautiful book and read very well. Loved it!

Reviewer:daksh - June 18, 2017very good book but aq very long book

Reviewer:Mike - February 1, 2017Subject:should have read it soonergreat story and reading

Reviewer:kayanna - December 31, 2016Subject:December 31,2016the book is way too long.

Reviewer:Tamsin - December 26, 2016Subject: AmazingI really like this book it was possibly the best thing I've ever read.the reader was brilliant and so it is a wonderfully compelling and interesting story.

Reviewer:Manya - May 26, 2016Subject:May 26 2016Amazing this book is extraordinary beautiful!

Reviewer:Paige - November 5, 2015I love this book, amazing work by Anna. I would read this book over and over again

Reviewer:Baetot03 - September 9, 2015Subject:Black beautyGreat book! Gets a little boring later on and some of the words are a little confusing but other than that this was a truly wonderful story

Reviewer:Kraken - July 22, 2015Subject:Black beautyI think this book is sad at first bu it gets better as it goes on.

Reviewer:lilly - July 14, 2015It is a awesome book I have listened and listened again but the end is so mysterious and it might be so sad and the ending so good it makes me cry every time

Reviewer:Kraken - July 13, 2015Subject:I love this bookI think the book is awesome i like it

Reviewer:Christian - April 22, 2015Subject:great book So much stuff im wondering what happens at the end

Reviewer:dg - February 4, 2015Subject:black beautyawwww, what a wonderful story! Great reader, also!

November 26, 2014Subject:Black Beautygreat book

November 25, 2014I loved the book, it was very exciting.

Reviewer:Wendy - September 11, 2014I loved this story, and very well read.

July 23, 2014Great story, and I think I could listen to this reader all day.

June 11, 2014Great book and reader.

Reviewer:Denesha - May 13, 2014Wow i love this book so much i would read it over and over again.

March 26, 2014great book

Reviewer:Bruno - February 16, 2014Subject:AccentIt would be more interesting if this audio book were recorded by either an American or Australian: these accents sound like music to my ear. :)

November 14, 2013A nice book.

Reviewer:OW - October 15, 2013Great book and reader!

Reviewer:Pushkina - August 8, 2013Subject:black beautyA wonderful book, it should be read by everyone.

Reviewer:Scot - July 30, 2013Subject:Black Beauty reviewI love Black Beauty. I've got three horses I called after the three in the book - and I love them to bits. I'd never think of parting with them. My chestnut mare, Ginger, recently had colic and I nearly lost her. Thank God she didn't die. She's only three and I love her to bits - I had to call the vet to her. A must read for all who love horses.

Reviewer:Madster - July 27, 2013This book has been my favorite since I was able to read: 3 years old. I've always loved horses and I ride them quite a lot and this book has taken all the good things about horse riding and caring for animals and originality and put it all in this book! A toast to Anna Sewell! You should definitely read this amazing book!

Reviewer:Cowgirl - April 1, 2013This book is the best book I have ever read!!!!!

Reviewer:Ashton - March 23, 2013I have read Black Beauty since I was in the first grade. It is always changing. It's like a new adventure every time. It never gets boring. I recommend it for ALL ages.

Reviewer:Kandis - March 5, 2013Subject:All of it was goodI think it was a great book it had really good detail.

Reviewer:Gabrielle - February 5, 2013Subject:Recommended for all agesA timeless piece about kindness. Great reader.